Hemp is a very sustainable and environmentally friendly material to use for promotional products. But what exactly is it that makes this material better for the environment and why is it considered so much more sustainable than Cotton?
Cotton has been a dominant crop in the fashion industry for centuries, but newer more sustainable materials are fast becoming the more popular choice for manufacturers and consumers alike. One such material is hemp which has been rapidly gaining traction as a more sustainable alternative. In fact, the global Hemp Clothing Market Size was valued at $2.29 billion in 2021, and is projected to reach $23.02 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 27.1% from 2022 to 2031!
In this blog, we will highlight 5 reasons why hemp is better for the environment than cotton.
1. Hemp uses way less water than cotton
Cotton is a water-intensive crop that requires a lot of irrigation to grow. In fact, it takes an average of 2,700 liters of water to produce one cotton t-shirt. On the other hand, hemp requires much less water to grow. Hemp can be grown with just one-third of the amount of water that cotton needs, making it a much more sustainable option.
2. Hemp is far more resistant to pests
Cotton crops are heavily reliant on pesticides and insecticides to protect them from pests and diseases. This not only harms the environment but also poses a risk to the health of the farmers who apply these chemicals. Hemp, on the other hand, is a hardy crop that is naturally resistant to pests and diseases. This means that fewer pesticides and insecticides are needed, resulting in a more eco-friendly crop.
3. Hemp has a much shorter growth cycle than cotton
Cotton is an annual crop that requires a long growing season to mature. This means that the land used for cotton production is tied up for longer periods, limiting the crop rotation options for farmers. Hemp, on the other hand, has a shorter growth cycle, allowing farmers to plant multiple crops in a year. This means that more crops can be grown on the same amount of land, resulting in higher yields and less strain on the environment.
4. Hemp produces more fibre per acre than cotton
Hemp produces more fibre per acre than cotton, making it a more efficient crop in terms of land use. For example, one acre of hemp can produce as much fibre as two to three acres of cotton. This means that fewer resources are required to produce the same amount of fibre, resulting in a more sustainable and efficient crop.
5. Hemp is biodegradable
Hemp is a biodegradable material, which means that it can break down naturally over time. Cotton, on the other hand, is not biodegradable and can take decades to decompose. This means that hemp is a more eco-friendly option as it does not contribute to the build-up of landfill waste.
In conclusion, hemp is a more sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to cotton. It requires less water, fewer pesticides and insecticides, has a shorter growth cycle, produces more fibre per acre, and is biodegradable. With the fashion industry’s growing focus on sustainability, it is time to start considering hemp as a viable option for textile production.
Here at Brandelity, we love Hemp as a cotton alternative and here are a few really useful gift items for your next event giveaway or staff onboarding pack:
Drawstring Bag
This backpack is great for daily usage for your everyday items. Drawstring bags give you quick and easy access to your belongings.
Baseball Cap
A stylish hat that keeps the sun out your face. This natural and eco-friendly fibre is UV resistant and helps reduce sweating due to the natural breathability of the fibres. The adjustable strap at the back is made of the same hemp material and includes a silver coloured brass buckle for the perfect fit.
Tote Bag
A handy bag with long handles made from hemp! One reason why a hemp tote bag is a great promotional product is that it is reusable and durable. Hemp fibers are known to be strong and resistant to wear and tear, which means that a hemp tote bag can be used repeatedly without showing signs of damage. Additionally, using a hemp tote bag instead of disposable bags can help reduce waste and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Naima Apron
Whether you are a professional chef or an amateur home-cook, having the right equipment in your kitchen is essential. This apron is not only comfortable, durable and sustainable, it is also very useful thanks to the 2 front pockets. Store a recipe note or some small utensils in there for quick access.
Share This Page
